What do you think?
Rate this book
Cider Cove #1
A Very Terrible Text
Sometimes the thumbs slip…
She’s finally joined the dating app everyone in Cider Cove is raving about…when she accidentally sends a message about wanting to meet up for a first date to her enemy.
I’ve been engaged twice now without becoming a bride, and let’s just say those failures have made me more career-focused than ever.
But I just hit the big 3-0 last year, and I’m feeling…lonely, despite the five best friends I share an enormous house with. I’ve drawn the short stick this time, and I’m dealing with the general contractor about fixing our perpetually leaking roof.
Joy.
Not.
Liam Graff is a complete beast—and our next-door neighbor—which only makes the way we sometimes gather at the upper floor windows to watch him mow his lawn shirtless a little embarrassing.
For him. Not us.
In order to cheer myself up, I join the dating app everyone in town can’t stop talking about, and I’ve been chatting back and forth with Mr. Hottie from one town over.
Great. No, really, it’s great. I’m great. He’s great.
Except I’ve also been texting with Liam about this blasted roof, and my invite for dinner in a slinky black dress goes to him instead of Mr. Hottie…
Before I can correct and explain myself, he responds with, What time should I pick you up?
That very terrible text may haunt me for the rest of my life…or change it completely.
She’s finally joined the dating app everyone in Cider Cove is raving about…when she accidentally sends a message about wanting to meet up for a first date to her enemy.
I’ve been engaged twice now without becoming a bride, and let’s just say those failures have made me more career-focused than ever.
But I just hit the big 3-0 last year, and I’m feeling…lonely, despite the five best friends I share an enormous house with. I’ve drawn the short stick this time, and I’m dealing with the general contractor about fixing our perpetually leaking roof.
Joy.
Not.
Liam Graff is a complete beast—and our next-door neighbor—which only makes the way we sometimes gather at the upper floor windows to watch him mow his lawn shirtless a little embarrassing.
For him. Not us.
In order to cheer myself up, I join the dating app everyone in town can’t stop talking about, and I’ve been chatting back and forth with Mr. Hottie from one town over.
Great. No, really, it’s great. I’m great. He’s great.
Except I’ve also been texting with Liam about this blasted roof, and my invite for dinner in a slinky black dress goes to him instead of Mr. Hottie…
Before I can correct and explain myself, he responds with, What time should I pick you up?
That very terrible text may haunt me for the rest of my life…or change it completely.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
710 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
183 books2,090 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
February 6, 2024
This is my first book by Elana Johnson. I did not know much about it going in; but it was such a swoony, super cute read! I'm looking forward to more of her books.
Both Liam and Hillary are a little on the grumpy side. They are neighbors and neither one of them have dated in a while, but they both decide separately to reenter the dating world. Hillary joins a dating app and accidentally sends a text to Liam, her kind of enemy, about wanting to meet up for a date.
I totally flew through this one! Both Liam and Hillary were the cutest grumps ever! I loved Liam with his gentleness and Southern charm. Hillary is a driven and sweet person; even when she is yelling at Liam about cutting her grass too early. Both of them are a little slow to trust but Liam falls hard and fast and does a great job of showing Hillary how much he cares. I love the thought he put into each of their dates and how he made sure the restaurants he took Hillary to had some potato goodness for her to eat there. Speaking of that, I love potatoes and this book had me craving them right from the start! :) This book was full of playful, sweet and fun flirting and lots of swoony kisses! It matches the vibe of the super cute cover! If you are looking for a sweet, bingeable read that will have you smiling, pick this one up immediately. I for one wish I would have read her sooner!
Things I loved:
All the potatoes and southern charm
Liam and his cowboy hats
Liam and Hilliary’s first date complete with 20 questions
Pizza on the back porch
“You will be paying the other half in kisses.”
The tea party
100th day Anniversary
Lots of swoony kisses
Liam’s grand gesture
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Both Liam and Hillary are a little on the grumpy side. They are neighbors and neither one of them have dated in a while, but they both decide separately to reenter the dating world. Hillary joins a dating app and accidentally sends a text to Liam, her kind of enemy, about wanting to meet up for a date.
I totally flew through this one! Both Liam and Hillary were the cutest grumps ever! I loved Liam with his gentleness and Southern charm. Hillary is a driven and sweet person; even when she is yelling at Liam about cutting her grass too early. Both of them are a little slow to trust but Liam falls hard and fast and does a great job of showing Hillary how much he cares. I love the thought he put into each of their dates and how he made sure the restaurants he took Hillary to had some potato goodness for her to eat there. Speaking of that, I love potatoes and this book had me craving them right from the start! :) This book was full of playful, sweet and fun flirting and lots of swoony kisses! It matches the vibe of the super cute cover! If you are looking for a sweet, bingeable read that will have you smiling, pick this one up immediately. I for one wish I would have read her sooner!
Things I loved:
All the potatoes and southern charm
Liam and his cowboy hats
Liam and Hilliary’s first date complete with 20 questions
Pizza on the back porch
“You will be paying the other half in kisses.”
The tea party
100th day Anniversary
Lots of swoony kisses
Liam’s grand gesture
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2024
This was... okay. The whole time, I thought, "surely this is a first novel"-- but no. It's like, sixth-ish. I will not be reading the other, first series. I may finish this one, idk.
A lot of scenes were fillers. Especially those of repetition about the main character's job and its details (and also those where the job got dragged, almost forced, into conversations.) A job which seemed like... it needed more research or something (?), because it wasn't that believable, nor interesting-- and if that's the case, why not cut down on those filler scenes?
The dialogue between characters was weird, and it had nothing to do with Southern culture--it was disjointed. Sure, the characters are quirky, and Hillary was supposed to have a bluntness to her, and be quick to subject-change in order to speak what's on her mind-- but that isn't what this was. It simply didn't flow correctly between the characters, around 75% of the time. I do love that "swearing" was potato related; I'm a fan of making up my own swears (as well as actually swearing.)
I don't believe a man would ever think or speak like Liam. I definitely don't believe a couple would
A lot of scenes were fillers. Especially those of repetition about the main character's job and its details (and also those where the job got dragged, almost forced, into conversations.) A job which seemed like... it needed more research or something (?), because it wasn't that believable, nor interesting-- and if that's the case, why not cut down on those filler scenes?
The dialogue between characters was weird, and it had nothing to do with Southern culture--it was disjointed. Sure, the characters are quirky, and Hillary was supposed to have a bluntness to her, and be quick to subject-change in order to speak what's on her mind-- but that isn't what this was. It simply didn't flow correctly between the characters, around 75% of the time. I do love that "swearing" was potato related; I'm a fan of making up my own swears (as well as actually swearing.)
I don't believe a man would ever think or speak like Liam. I definitely don't believe a couple would
January 3, 2024
I'm sure we all can relate to having sent a terrible text. I know I'm guilty. Well, kind of. It was really autocorrect's fault! Hahaha! Oh the embarrassment. Thankfully it just went to a friend and we could laugh off what autocorrect thought I was trying to say and which I most definitely was NOT trying to say! Oh heavens! Now poor Hillary has a text that was sent, it was an intentional wording but her problem was that it sent to the wrong person. Which, I've had that happen too and it was fun and embarrassing! But was totally my phone's fault! Again!
Hillary was a little distracted and trying to message multiple people. Oopsy when the wrong text was sent to the next door neighbor whom she's been in a bit of a feud with. But yay that it did because it was marvelous and created a fun and entertaining story for us readers!
I've had this one sitting in my TBR and I kept thinking about it and wanting to read it. Well I was given the chance to read and review the next book in the series and decided that I needed to get this one out of my TBR pile and enjoy it! I'm soooo glad I did and wondering why in the world I didn't read it sooner! Elana Johnson is a very talented and gifted writer. I loved her characters and storyline and everything in between! Grab a copy and read it! You'll thank me later!!!
Content: Clean.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
Hillary was a little distracted and trying to message multiple people. Oopsy when the wrong text was sent to the next door neighbor whom she's been in a bit of a feud with. But yay that it did because it was marvelous and created a fun and entertaining story for us readers!
I've had this one sitting in my TBR and I kept thinking about it and wanting to read it. Well I was given the chance to read and review the next book in the series and decided that I needed to get this one out of my TBR pile and enjoy it! I'm soooo glad I did and wondering why in the world I didn't read it sooner! Elana Johnson is a very talented and gifted writer. I loved her characters and storyline and everything in between! Grab a copy and read it! You'll thank me later!!!
Content: Clean.
My own personal copy.
Happy Reading!!!
October 30, 2023
Can it be possible for two grumps to find happily-ever-after with each other? Shouldn’t one of us be the happy-go-lucky sunshine part of this relationship?”
This was such a fun story, and I enjoyed it for so many reasons! Liam and Hillary are the cutest couple, and I loved seeing them go from butting heads to falling hard for each other.
Hillary sends a text to someone she met on a dating app, asking him to go out, but she accidentally sends it to Liam.
She’s mortified because Liam is the grumpy neighbor that really annoys her. When he responds back with, “What time should I pick you up?” she decides to go through with it. What seemed like a terrible mistake turns out to be a wonderful, life changing moment.
I really loved Liam’s character. He’s actually more sunshiny than grumpy, and he’s a southern gentleman who treats Hillary like a queen.
Hillary comes from a wealthy family, and I loved how she helped Liam with his insecurities about being enough for her.
What I loved:
💬 Southern romance
💬 Enemies to lovers
💬 Dual POV
💬 Fun banter
💬 Peach orchard picnic
💬 She loves potatoes
💬 Potato swear words
💬 Black cat (her) & Golden Retriever (him)
💬 HEA
This was a super cute and entertaining beginning to a new romcom series, and I’m excited to read the next book!
Many thanks to the author for a digital copy!
This was such a fun story, and I enjoyed it for so many reasons! Liam and Hillary are the cutest couple, and I loved seeing them go from butting heads to falling hard for each other.
Hillary sends a text to someone she met on a dating app, asking him to go out, but she accidentally sends it to Liam.
She’s mortified because Liam is the grumpy neighbor that really annoys her. When he responds back with, “What time should I pick you up?” she decides to go through with it. What seemed like a terrible mistake turns out to be a wonderful, life changing moment.
I really loved Liam’s character. He’s actually more sunshiny than grumpy, and he’s a southern gentleman who treats Hillary like a queen.
Hillary comes from a wealthy family, and I loved how she helped Liam with his insecurities about being enough for her.
What I loved:
💬 Southern romance
💬 Enemies to lovers
💬 Dual POV
💬 Fun banter
💬 Peach orchard picnic
💬 She loves potatoes
💬 Potato swear words
💬 Black cat (her) & Golden Retriever (him)
💬 HEA
This was a super cute and entertaining beginning to a new romcom series, and I’m excited to read the next book!
Many thanks to the author for a digital copy!
January 2, 2024
I really loved this book. It had me laughing out loud at times. I'm glad it wasn't a slow-burn romance and there was no 3rd act breakup. Coming from Elana Johnson, you know it's going to be sweet and clean and a feel-good book. I think this is the first romcom I've read with the black cat/golden retriever character classifications, but I totally got it.
October 18, 2023
A nice romance, but nothing spectacular to me.
Hillary and Liam were nice together, but I did not really feel their sparks. Also, some of the side stories (Hillary’s ex fiancé, the enigmatic son of the person she was interviewing, etc.) we’re set-up, but not really finished in a satisfying way. Perhaps they will visit in future stories?
I very much liked the idea of all the friends living together in the Big House and I can see each of the girls getting their own book and their own chance at happily ever after.
It was a bit strange to me to have two chapters in this book from Claudia’s point of view. OK it will tie things together with the next book, but this story could have done without.
Still, looking forward to more of the Cider Cove series!
3.5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
Hillary and Liam were nice together, but I did not really feel their sparks. Also, some of the side stories (Hillary’s ex fiancé, the enigmatic son of the person she was interviewing, etc.) we’re set-up, but not really finished in a satisfying way. Perhaps they will visit in future stories?
I very much liked the idea of all the friends living together in the Big House and I can see each of the girls getting their own book and their own chance at happily ever after.
It was a bit strange to me to have two chapters in this book from Claudia’s point of view. OK it will tie things together with the next book, but this story could have done without.
Still, looking forward to more of the Cider Cove series!
3.5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
October 16, 2023
This clean romantic comedy was so fun! It is the first book that I have read by this author, and I definitely want to read more.
I loved the way these two got together, with that accidental text. Liam was such a great guy and it was endearing the way Hillary was able to see that he was definitely interested in her on that first date. I wondered how things would play out and if and when Liam would find out about the accidental text.
So many times in this playful and fun story, the author was able to really grab my emotions and pull them all over the place. Liam and Hillary both had some things that made them feel shaky or unworthy. Whether it was Hillary’s parents expectations and high handedness or Liam’s regrets about dropping out of college. I was able to really get a feel for the hearts of these characters and loved this story from start to finish!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I loved the way these two got together, with that accidental text. Liam was such a great guy and it was endearing the way Hillary was able to see that he was definitely interested in her on that first date. I wondered how things would play out and if and when Liam would find out about the accidental text.
So many times in this playful and fun story, the author was able to really grab my emotions and pull them all over the place. Liam and Hillary both had some things that made them feel shaky or unworthy. Whether it was Hillary’s parents expectations and high handedness or Liam’s regrets about dropping out of college. I was able to really get a feel for the hearts of these characters and loved this story from start to finish!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 19, 2024
Has anyone accidentally sent a text to the wrong person? Please tell me it’s not just me. Liam and Hillary are neighbors and they don’t exactly get along too well. Then an accidental and flirty text gives them a chance to make it or break it.
“I want this date to be made of magic, unicorn horns, and high heels. And kissing.”
These two are like oil and water…until suddenly they’re more like a black cat and golden retriever. The combination of their personalities left me laughing and swooning, and it was so much fun to watch the mixing and mashing, and became bewitched. I found myself craving every potato creation under the sun, as potatoes are Hillary’s weakness and Liam made sure to deliver.
I couldn’t get enough of the Southern charm and the sweet gestures sprinkled throughout. Cowboy hats and purple dresses? Check. Roof dates and pizza on the back porch? Covered. Different, complicated backgrounds with trust issues, complex family expectations, along with tough choices and plenty of romance, this small town romance has it all.
Content: mild romance
“I want this date to be made of magic, unicorn horns, and high heels. And kissing.”
These two are like oil and water…until suddenly they’re more like a black cat and golden retriever. The combination of their personalities left me laughing and swooning, and it was so much fun to watch the mixing and mashing, and became bewitched. I found myself craving every potato creation under the sun, as potatoes are Hillary’s weakness and Liam made sure to deliver.
I couldn’t get enough of the Southern charm and the sweet gestures sprinkled throughout. Cowboy hats and purple dresses? Check. Roof dates and pizza on the back porch? Covered. Different, complicated backgrounds with trust issues, complex family expectations, along with tough choices and plenty of romance, this small town romance has it all.
Content: mild romance
October 7, 2023
Absolutely loved this sweet, low angst romcom. Such a joy to read💛 Liam & Hillary had such a steady, honest progression of a relationship and I loved it! Loved how they discussed things and gave each other space to figure their emotions out💛 Hillary has the black cat personality and I loved it 🐈⬛…such a great compliment to Liam’s golden retriever personality! Add this book to you TBRs!
February 11, 2024
2.7⭐️
Hillary no me cayó del todo bien, Liam es un solecito.
Me gustó que Hillary no tuvo que dejar pasar una buena oferta laboral por amor.
Faltó ver a Liam inscribiéndose a arquitectura y cumplir su sueño.
Hillary no me cayó del todo bien, Liam es un solecito.
Me gustó que Hillary no tuvo que dejar pasar una buena oferta laboral por amor.
Faltó ver a Liam inscribiéndose a arquitectura y cumplir su sueño.
Read
December 6, 2025I loved the premise of this story--a text sent to the wrong person, but actually the right person (in the end) responds. A fun, clean romance that kept me turning the pages.
August 8, 2025
You’ve heard of the grumpy/sunshine trope, well this is sort of the grumpy/grumpy trope. I don’t know that Hillary and Liam are always grumpy, but they’re definitely grumpy around each other. So it’s rather fun when Hillary decides to go for it and ask someone out and accidentally sends that text to Liam. In many ways this book is a testament to the phrase “happy accident “.
There were so many fun and quirky things I loved. The potato references were hilarious. 20 questions. Liam and his hats. The hundredth day.
And of course, the grand gesture. 😍😍😍
There were so many fun and quirky things I loved. The potato references were hilarious. 20 questions. Liam and his hats. The hundredth day.
And of course, the grand gesture. 😍😍😍
November 2, 2023
Thank you in advance to the author, Elana Johnson, for providing a complimentary review copy through Kate Rock Book Tours. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and likely won’t be the last. Despite not being fond of cartoon/illustrated covers, I was drawn by the title A Very Terrible Text and the premise of app dating and sending the wrong text.
I’m not a fan of online dating or app dating. I think it is better to meet someone through friends, co-workers, or relatives. And, even one of the characters admits online dating apps isn’t really the best place to meet the one true love.
The first book in the series has a real hard job – establish the recurring characters, the plot of the series, and its own story. This one does it right off.
Johnson introduces readers to (some might only be for this story):
📽️ Hillary – describes herself as potato shaped (I can relate), comes from
wealth, wants to produce documentaries, currently a researcher
🏢 Michelle – Hillary’s Boss
🧰 Liam – contractor, lives next door
🏠 Tahlia – owns The Big House, wants to someday turn it into a Bed &
Breakfast
⚠️ Claudia – Public Works Director
🗄️ Ryanne – co-manager at an office supply store
👗 Emma
🔬 Lizzie – works at chemical research company
🎥 Tanner – big Los Angeles producer
⚠️ Beckett – works with Claudia, wants to compete for a job opening
Hillary and the girls used to be college roommates, and their friendship allows them to live as roommates. Thalia needs the income to pay for the house.
Despite the eclectic characters, the story is 95% told from Hillary and Liam’s POVs in first-person, with Claudia’s first-person POV for about 5% in two chapters.
This begins with Hillary snagging an interview with a wealthy female billionaire, in the hopes that she can break into the big-time investigative reporting. She has a bad night, and ends up getting woken up by her neighbor – Liam who is mowing the lawn. [I can relate, especially with our town home community’s landscapers and their blasted bacon-cheese baked potato leaf-blower! Sometimes it’s 2-3 days per week! 😒🤪]
It’s instant “dislike” on her part – after all, she wanted to sleep in. Liam thinks she’s cute in her pink pajamas, almost a princess.
It isn’t until Tahlia tasks her with part of the “honey-do” list – namely finding a contractor for the leaking roof. Another reason it becomes Hillary’s job – it’s over her bedroom.
Hillary decides to ask Liam, but he wants an apology from her for her “attitude” about the mowing incident. It turns into a dinner date, then just an invite to check on the roof since she doesn’t like wings and brings some to his workplace just for him. It’s more serious than they both thought – but he can have a patch in place. He’s not sure he wants to get back into the dating pool, then again, he is “sweet” on Hillary.
Hillary, like her roommate Claudia, has joined Matchmakers. Hillary quickly matches with someone and moves from the app to texting.
Despite the interview being postponed – Michelle gets a call from Tanner Bridgestone – he’s interested in the Prime National Bank scandal from the 1980’s. Excited, Hillary tells everyone – even Liam.
She also does something rather embarrassing. Thinking she’s texting the hottie form the app, Karl, she ends a rather risqué text to Liam asking him out. He responds with “what time should I pick you up”. Horrified, she wants to get out of it, but replies with a time. Liam is shocked when he gets it, but figures there was something between them.
As it turns out – Hillary not only has a LOAD of fun with Liam, he has set the standard high for future dates. It turns out that two grumps equal a beautiful sunshine and loads of potatoey fun.
They hit a slight rough patch when he wonders why she asked him out – it was a mistake. But, he then forgives her because she didn’t have to go out with him. She wanted to. They soon realize that they love each other’s company and he doesn’t disappoint with the dates either.
But, due to her two failed engagements, Hillary is hesitant to use the “d-word” with them – dating that is. But, she admits it during one of the nights with the girls.
Hillary is then forced to admit it when her mother reminds her of her father’s birthday party – especially when Carolle has invited Charlie, Hillary’s ex-fiancé. Her mother wants them to get back together, Hillary doesn’t.
Everything is perfect in her life – Liam, their dates, peaches, sweet tea, and even the potato puns – though, her career might stand in the way of their happily ever after when she gets the news she’s been waiting for.
Johnson creates a clean, sweet, potato-spired cuss word rom-com that had me laughing and starving from the first page to the last. This was a relatable, modern, and fun romance that starts as an accidental hook-up, but leads to a “friends-to-more” romance.
I had to laugh about Liam calling mushrooms “fungi”. I do that as well. A fun note –> before my mother got pregnant for me, she HATED mushrooms, even microscopic ones. She’d easily spot them and pick them out. While pregnant for me, she had a serious craving for mushrooms. It was so bad that after I was born – she NEVER shook the craving. While a bit “disgusting”, also while carrying me, she had a tremendous amount of gas that went away after I was born. So, while Hillary describes herself as a potato due to her shape, I joke about being a gaseous fungus 🍄🤣
This is the first book of Johnson’s new series, and a teaser for book two (#2) is at the end. I am definitely interested in that one, and she gets part of that story established with two chapters from Claudia’s POV in this book. The first being about 58% into this book. Claudia’s POV is only a total of 5% of this book. Given the alternating POVs, this might confuse some readers. However, I was enjoying Hillary and Liam’s story too much to care.
I’ll admit it, I was skeptical about this book. So many books outside of my main group have promised to be good reads – and, they are, to a point. Some have had bad language and others have been a bit steamier than I’d preferred. Johnson really keeps her promise as a “clean” Southern RomCom author. I was laughing hysterically at Hillary’s potato-based cuss words. Even Liam got in on the fun with “smashed spuds” in reference to something she says about a distraction, namely setting her parents’ house on fire. She had several creative ways of getting off the phone with her mom. One was while she was on the phone during a date with Liam. She hung up on her mother by saying the house was on fire and she had to get out 🫣
This didn’t lack in the humor department or the romance despite the affection being limited to hugs and kisses. The sweet dates were enough for me.
I was pleasantly surprised for this not only to grab me right in, but drag me in – screaming and laughing. I didn’t stop reading this until I’d finished it. And, I finished this 327 page read (story pages) inside of an 8-hour period. The short chapters and fast-paced writing also helped. It didn’t lag at all, unless I counted Claudia’s POV and story “set-up”. It also didn’t feel like the writer rushed through it either.
The romance pretty much started right off – with Liam anyway. For him it was attraction, her it was annoyance with attraction.
And, one thing I loved – the writer had some of the girls as “plus-size” with a reference being to a clothing box one of the girls got. This is rare in a romance or any kind of book to have positive plus-size role models. Usually anyone plus-sized is a bully or villain. So, I REALLY have to praise and thank Johnson for included us “potatoes” 🥔😉🤣
Though, after reading the book, I ended up terribly hungry. Next, PLEASE send a gift card for snacks!! I absolutely loved the “piggy pork fries” – pulled pork, sauce, potatoes, slaw. I felt like I was STARVING by the time I finished this.
I have NO doubt I’m going to be reading the next book in the series. Anyone who loves a sweet, SUPER-CLEAN, romance read with TONS of food references – grab this one now!!
Note ➡️ the only HUGE problem I had was it being called “Cider Cove” which is CLOSE to one my favorite Debbie Macomber series – “Cedar Cove”. It could be a bit confusing to some readers.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and likely won’t be the last. Despite not being fond of cartoon/illustrated covers, I was drawn by the title A Very Terrible Text and the premise of app dating and sending the wrong text.
I’m not a fan of online dating or app dating. I think it is better to meet someone through friends, co-workers, or relatives. And, even one of the characters admits online dating apps isn’t really the best place to meet the one true love.
The first book in the series has a real hard job – establish the recurring characters, the plot of the series, and its own story. This one does it right off.
Johnson introduces readers to (some might only be for this story):
📽️ Hillary – describes herself as potato shaped (I can relate), comes from
wealth, wants to produce documentaries, currently a researcher
🏢 Michelle – Hillary’s Boss
🧰 Liam – contractor, lives next door
🏠 Tahlia – owns The Big House, wants to someday turn it into a Bed &
Breakfast
⚠️ Claudia – Public Works Director
🗄️ Ryanne – co-manager at an office supply store
👗 Emma
🔬 Lizzie – works at chemical research company
🎥 Tanner – big Los Angeles producer
⚠️ Beckett – works with Claudia, wants to compete for a job opening
Hillary and the girls used to be college roommates, and their friendship allows them to live as roommates. Thalia needs the income to pay for the house.
Despite the eclectic characters, the story is 95% told from Hillary and Liam’s POVs in first-person, with Claudia’s first-person POV for about 5% in two chapters.
This begins with Hillary snagging an interview with a wealthy female billionaire, in the hopes that she can break into the big-time investigative reporting. She has a bad night, and ends up getting woken up by her neighbor – Liam who is mowing the lawn. [I can relate, especially with our town home community’s landscapers and their blasted bacon-cheese baked potato leaf-blower! Sometimes it’s 2-3 days per week! 😒🤪]
It’s instant “dislike” on her part – after all, she wanted to sleep in. Liam thinks she’s cute in her pink pajamas, almost a princess.
It isn’t until Tahlia tasks her with part of the “honey-do” list – namely finding a contractor for the leaking roof. Another reason it becomes Hillary’s job – it’s over her bedroom.
Hillary decides to ask Liam, but he wants an apology from her for her “attitude” about the mowing incident. It turns into a dinner date, then just an invite to check on the roof since she doesn’t like wings and brings some to his workplace just for him. It’s more serious than they both thought – but he can have a patch in place. He’s not sure he wants to get back into the dating pool, then again, he is “sweet” on Hillary.
Hillary, like her roommate Claudia, has joined Matchmakers. Hillary quickly matches with someone and moves from the app to texting.
Despite the interview being postponed – Michelle gets a call from Tanner Bridgestone – he’s interested in the Prime National Bank scandal from the 1980’s. Excited, Hillary tells everyone – even Liam.
She also does something rather embarrassing. Thinking she’s texting the hottie form the app, Karl, she ends a rather risqué text to Liam asking him out. He responds with “what time should I pick you up”. Horrified, she wants to get out of it, but replies with a time. Liam is shocked when he gets it, but figures there was something between them.
As it turns out – Hillary not only has a LOAD of fun with Liam, he has set the standard high for future dates. It turns out that two grumps equal a beautiful sunshine and loads of potatoey fun.
They hit a slight rough patch when he wonders why she asked him out – it was a mistake. But, he then forgives her because she didn’t have to go out with him. She wanted to. They soon realize that they love each other’s company and he doesn’t disappoint with the dates either.
But, due to her two failed engagements, Hillary is hesitant to use the “d-word” with them – dating that is. But, she admits it during one of the nights with the girls.
Hillary is then forced to admit it when her mother reminds her of her father’s birthday party – especially when Carolle has invited Charlie, Hillary’s ex-fiancé. Her mother wants them to get back together, Hillary doesn’t.
Everything is perfect in her life – Liam, their dates, peaches, sweet tea, and even the potato puns – though, her career might stand in the way of their happily ever after when she gets the news she’s been waiting for.
Johnson creates a clean, sweet, potato-spired cuss word rom-com that had me laughing and starving from the first page to the last. This was a relatable, modern, and fun romance that starts as an accidental hook-up, but leads to a “friends-to-more” romance.
I had to laugh about Liam calling mushrooms “fungi”. I do that as well. A fun note –> before my mother got pregnant for me, she HATED mushrooms, even microscopic ones. She’d easily spot them and pick them out. While pregnant for me, she had a serious craving for mushrooms. It was so bad that after I was born – she NEVER shook the craving. While a bit “disgusting”, also while carrying me, she had a tremendous amount of gas that went away after I was born. So, while Hillary describes herself as a potato due to her shape, I joke about being a gaseous fungus 🍄🤣
This is the first book of Johnson’s new series, and a teaser for book two (#2) is at the end. I am definitely interested in that one, and she gets part of that story established with two chapters from Claudia’s POV in this book. The first being about 58% into this book. Claudia’s POV is only a total of 5% of this book. Given the alternating POVs, this might confuse some readers. However, I was enjoying Hillary and Liam’s story too much to care.
I’ll admit it, I was skeptical about this book. So many books outside of my main group have promised to be good reads – and, they are, to a point. Some have had bad language and others have been a bit steamier than I’d preferred. Johnson really keeps her promise as a “clean” Southern RomCom author. I was laughing hysterically at Hillary’s potato-based cuss words. Even Liam got in on the fun with “smashed spuds” in reference to something she says about a distraction, namely setting her parents’ house on fire. She had several creative ways of getting off the phone with her mom. One was while she was on the phone during a date with Liam. She hung up on her mother by saying the house was on fire and she had to get out 🫣
This didn’t lack in the humor department or the romance despite the affection being limited to hugs and kisses. The sweet dates were enough for me.
I was pleasantly surprised for this not only to grab me right in, but drag me in – screaming and laughing. I didn’t stop reading this until I’d finished it. And, I finished this 327 page read (story pages) inside of an 8-hour period. The short chapters and fast-paced writing also helped. It didn’t lag at all, unless I counted Claudia’s POV and story “set-up”. It also didn’t feel like the writer rushed through it either.
The romance pretty much started right off – with Liam anyway. For him it was attraction, her it was annoyance with attraction.
And, one thing I loved – the writer had some of the girls as “plus-size” with a reference being to a clothing box one of the girls got. This is rare in a romance or any kind of book to have positive plus-size role models. Usually anyone plus-sized is a bully or villain. So, I REALLY have to praise and thank Johnson for included us “potatoes” 🥔😉🤣
Though, after reading the book, I ended up terribly hungry. Next, PLEASE send a gift card for snacks!! I absolutely loved the “piggy pork fries” – pulled pork, sauce, potatoes, slaw. I felt like I was STARVING by the time I finished this.
I have NO doubt I’m going to be reading the next book in the series. Anyone who loves a sweet, SUPER-CLEAN, romance read with TONS of food references – grab this one now!!
Note ➡️ the only HUGE problem I had was it being called “Cider Cove” which is CLOSE to one my favorite Debbie Macomber series – “Cedar Cove”. It could be a bit confusing to some readers.
October 23, 2023
This cute and clean RomCom is the first book in a new sweet southern series.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a quick & easy read with a sweet & cozy vibe. The story is told from Hillary & Liam’s POV, which gives the reader the full scope of their relationship. At the beginning of the book, the couple have an antagonistic relationship, despite the fact that they both secretly lust after each other. When Hillary accidentally texts Liam a flirty text asking him out instead of her perspective date. Liam readily agrees. Her roommates encourage her to keep the date & she does. The couple give each other a chance on the date, & their relationship blooms from there.
I loved the teasing & flirty banter between Hillary & Liam. The book includes their cute text exchanges, which are some of the best parts of the book. The adult manner of the development of their relationship, without all the outlandish situations & histrionics, was great to read. Hillary’s roommates add levity to the book, & I’m sure they will be the subject of the next books in the series.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Kate Rocks Books and the author. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a quick & easy read with a sweet & cozy vibe. The story is told from Hillary & Liam’s POV, which gives the reader the full scope of their relationship. At the beginning of the book, the couple have an antagonistic relationship, despite the fact that they both secretly lust after each other. When Hillary accidentally texts Liam a flirty text asking him out instead of her perspective date. Liam readily agrees. Her roommates encourage her to keep the date & she does. The couple give each other a chance on the date, & their relationship blooms from there.
I loved the teasing & flirty banter between Hillary & Liam. The book includes their cute text exchanges, which are some of the best parts of the book. The adult manner of the development of their relationship, without all the outlandish situations & histrionics, was great to read. Hillary’s roommates add levity to the book, & I’m sure they will be the subject of the next books in the series.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Kate Rocks Books and the author. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2023
I didn't read the full blurb for this book. I was immediately interested because of the title and I guess what I assumed was going to be the premise. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but that's my fault. If I'd read the synopsis, I may not have been expecting a different story.
This was a clean RomCom. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, part of that may have been my preconceived idea and part of it was because it jumped around quite a bit. There were several scenes that I felt were cut short and then the story sped ahead a week or two or sometimes almost a month. Then there were a couple of chapters given from a roommate's point of view. It was just a little hectic for me.
This was my first Elana Johnson book. Actually because I was on the ARC team, when I first got it, it was under a different pen name by the same author. (Maybe that should have been my first clue that I was in for a bit of a ride.)
Anyway, I'll give it 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I do thank the author for the advanced copy and am leaving an honest review.
This was a clean RomCom. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, part of that may have been my preconceived idea and part of it was because it jumped around quite a bit. There were several scenes that I felt were cut short and then the story sped ahead a week or two or sometimes almost a month. Then there were a couple of chapters given from a roommate's point of view. It was just a little hectic for me.
This was my first Elana Johnson book. Actually because I was on the ARC team, when I first got it, it was under a different pen name by the same author. (Maybe that should have been my first clue that I was in for a bit of a ride.)
Anyway, I'll give it 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I do thank the author for the advanced copy and am leaving an honest review.
November 1, 2023
There are probably many adults who can relate to sending a text message and regretting it as it happened to them. What better way to make the best out of an embarrassing moment than to make the best of it? From a romantic perspective, it is an essential step for them, and I was glad that he was able to work on the unrequested attraction to her that he has to her. Throughout the book, I enjoyed reading how the partners ventured into a new level of friendship, revealed their familial dynamics, and formed a company that would last a lifetime. In my opinion, this is a book that is a little bit nervy but it is also enjoyable to read ...love always saves the day.
September 18, 2023
No matter what Elana Johnson writes, I’m going to read it and love it, and her romcoms are my favorites. I loved A Very Terrible Text, and read it in one sitting, and yes, it was totally worth the sleep I lost. I laughed so much while reading this well-written, fun story, and I also appreciated the realistic issues that Hillary and Liam had to work through. I hated for this book to end, and I can’t wait for the next book in the Cider Cove series. Highly recommend!
October 27, 2023
This is book one of the Cider Cove Sweet Southern RomComs series and the main characters are Hillary Mays, a documentary researcher who hopes to be a documentary producer one day, and her neighbour Liam Graff, who works as a general contractor with his own company Blue Ladder Builders, but had really hoped to be an architect. Hillary lives in what is called the Big House, with five friends from her college days, that one of them, Tahlia Tomlinson, inherited it form her aunt. The others are Claudia, Emma, Lizzie, and Ryanne. Hillary comes from a wealthy family who have pushed her into two engagements that didn’t work out, leaving her to focus on her career, even when her parents don’t agree. She has a big chance of an exclusive interview with Caterina Morgan, about a controversial merger with Prime National Bank decades ago. With any luck it can be sold to an interested party and she may finally get her chance to produce the documentary. She looks forward to having a lie in on the weekends, only to be awakened really early one Saturday by Liam cutting the grass next to their house, with a very noisy lawnmower. She looks out her window on the third floor and tries to shout at him, but he just waves and then continues mowing. She stomps down all three floors in her skimpy night attire, to tell him off and is rather rude to him as she is so annoyed!
Now Tahlia has arranged the annual big Spring clean-up and Tahlia has given her the job of getting the roof fixed, as it has been leaking and one of those leaks is right over her bedroom. She isn’t exactly on best terms with Liam after the fiasco with his early morning mowing, so now she will have to play nice to him, as he is one of the only companies that could do the job and already does lots for Tahlia to maintain her house and grounds. She comes into the kitchen to see a couple of the others crowding round Claudia who is on her phone Claudia has signed up for the local Matchmakers app, looking for a date. It has been very popular in Cider Cove and other suburbs of Charleston. Hillary decides to join up as well, looking for a date rather than be fixed up by her mother yet again! She meets Kurt, who works at a vet clinic, on the app and starts texting back and forth with him all the time. He seems to be the ideal match for her and she can’t wait to see where it goes. She is also texting Liam about the roof repairs and he is awaiting an apology from her. Somehow she mixes up who she is texting when she mentions a date needed with her little black dress and Liam replies to her asking what time! She should have just explained the error, but decides to go ahead with the dinner, but disappoints him by not wearing the black dress as promised. Lots of fun continues as Liam takes her somewhere unexpected for the date and they both talk about their wishes for the future and both have big work opportunities come up, which will mean big decisions need to be made. As they get closer together and more involved with each other, their work successes may pull them apart. A lovely HEA as one gives up things to follow the other for their perfect dream job chance. Lots of fun and a great group of friends who no doubt will all have stories to tell in the near future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Now Tahlia has arranged the annual big Spring clean-up and Tahlia has given her the job of getting the roof fixed, as it has been leaking and one of those leaks is right over her bedroom. She isn’t exactly on best terms with Liam after the fiasco with his early morning mowing, so now she will have to play nice to him, as he is one of the only companies that could do the job and already does lots for Tahlia to maintain her house and grounds. She comes into the kitchen to see a couple of the others crowding round Claudia who is on her phone Claudia has signed up for the local Matchmakers app, looking for a date. It has been very popular in Cider Cove and other suburbs of Charleston. Hillary decides to join up as well, looking for a date rather than be fixed up by her mother yet again! She meets Kurt, who works at a vet clinic, on the app and starts texting back and forth with him all the time. He seems to be the ideal match for her and she can’t wait to see where it goes. She is also texting Liam about the roof repairs and he is awaiting an apology from her. Somehow she mixes up who she is texting when she mentions a date needed with her little black dress and Liam replies to her asking what time! She should have just explained the error, but decides to go ahead with the dinner, but disappoints him by not wearing the black dress as promised. Lots of fun continues as Liam takes her somewhere unexpected for the date and they both talk about their wishes for the future and both have big work opportunities come up, which will mean big decisions need to be made. As they get closer together and more involved with each other, their work successes may pull them apart. A lovely HEA as one gives up things to follow the other for their perfect dream job chance. Lots of fun and a great group of friends who no doubt will all have stories to tell in the near future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 8, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is mainly told from Hillary & Liam’s points of view (there are two chapters from Claudia’s points of view)
– Hillary’s parents care most about their status in society and how Hillary can reflect/make their status better
– Liam’s father passed away (past event)
Review:
This story was more like a 4.5 star story for me, mainly because I couldn’t understand why Claudia’s first chapter was where it was in this story or why it was in this particular book when her story is next & it was already mentioned that someone was likely going to retire. It didn’t exactly detract from this story but it also didn’t add to it, just gives us insight to how Claudia’s story would feel like & what her circumstances are. (It did make me more interested in Claudia’s story though!)
As for Hillary & Liam, I loved getting to know them and see them push each other’s buttons. I loved that they started off a bit like enemies with their firm stances on when it was appropriate/a good idea to mow the lawn and that Hillary ended up having to make nice with Liam later on in order to inquire about him possibly helping fix up the Big House for them. I loved when Hillary actually fell for Liam and they had more dates with Hillary truly wanting to get to know Liam instead of being wary of him. I loved seeing Liam’s mom doting on him and her immediate acceptance of Hillary when the two finally met. I also really liked getting to know a bit more about Hillary’s housemates and how they pushed Hillary to give Liam a chance, knowing the man he was when not bugging Hillary.
Summary:
Hillary can’t stand her neighbor. Liam is completely inconsiderate when it comes to waiting until a decent hour to mow his lawn, especially on a day that Hillary can actually sleep in. Not only that, he continuously pushes every single one of her buttons whenever they happen to cross paths. But all of that changes when Hillary makes a mistake and sends Liam a message meant for her prospective date that she met on Cider Cove’s popular dating app… and he accepts her offer of a date within minutes of her having sent it. With having Liam slated to do handyman work on the house Hillary is staying in with her friends, and those same friends encouraging her to take a chance on Liam, Hillary isn’t about to cancel her accidental date set up. When Liam proves to be someone very different from who Hillary expected him to be, she finds herself falling for him. But can she truly be as loved as she feels when she has two failed engagements under her belt?
Liam finds his neighbor’s fiery attitude to be enticing and can’t help poking the bear to see her flare up. Though Hillary seems to want nothing to do with him, Liam can’t get enough of her and is eager for any sort of interaction. Even if it means accepting to work on the house next door that she’s staying in with her as the go-between when he’s already got full days of work ahead of him. He hopes that maybe he can ease Hillary into the idea of dating him & that he isn’t the person she has in her head over their conversations about the work on the house. And when she unexpectedly invites him on a date, he’s so ecstatic that all thoughts of playing it cool fly out the window. This is his chance, and he’s not about to let it get away from him…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is mainly told from Hillary & Liam’s points of view (there are two chapters from Claudia’s points of view)
– Hillary’s parents care most about their status in society and how Hillary can reflect/make their status better
– Liam’s father passed away (past event)
Review:
This story was more like a 4.5 star story for me, mainly because I couldn’t understand why Claudia’s first chapter was where it was in this story or why it was in this particular book when her story is next & it was already mentioned that someone was likely going to retire. It didn’t exactly detract from this story but it also didn’t add to it, just gives us insight to how Claudia’s story would feel like & what her circumstances are. (It did make me more interested in Claudia’s story though!)
As for Hillary & Liam, I loved getting to know them and see them push each other’s buttons. I loved that they started off a bit like enemies with their firm stances on when it was appropriate/a good idea to mow the lawn and that Hillary ended up having to make nice with Liam later on in order to inquire about him possibly helping fix up the Big House for them. I loved when Hillary actually fell for Liam and they had more dates with Hillary truly wanting to get to know Liam instead of being wary of him. I loved seeing Liam’s mom doting on him and her immediate acceptance of Hillary when the two finally met. I also really liked getting to know a bit more about Hillary’s housemates and how they pushed Hillary to give Liam a chance, knowing the man he was when not bugging Hillary.
Summary:
Hillary can’t stand her neighbor. Liam is completely inconsiderate when it comes to waiting until a decent hour to mow his lawn, especially on a day that Hillary can actually sleep in. Not only that, he continuously pushes every single one of her buttons whenever they happen to cross paths. But all of that changes when Hillary makes a mistake and sends Liam a message meant for her prospective date that she met on Cider Cove’s popular dating app… and he accepts her offer of a date within minutes of her having sent it. With having Liam slated to do handyman work on the house Hillary is staying in with her friends, and those same friends encouraging her to take a chance on Liam, Hillary isn’t about to cancel her accidental date set up. When Liam proves to be someone very different from who Hillary expected him to be, she finds herself falling for him. But can she truly be as loved as she feels when she has two failed engagements under her belt?
Liam finds his neighbor’s fiery attitude to be enticing and can’t help poking the bear to see her flare up. Though Hillary seems to want nothing to do with him, Liam can’t get enough of her and is eager for any sort of interaction. Even if it means accepting to work on the house next door that she’s staying in with her as the go-between when he’s already got full days of work ahead of him. He hopes that maybe he can ease Hillary into the idea of dating him & that he isn’t the person she has in her head over their conversations about the work on the house. And when she unexpectedly invites him on a date, he’s so ecstatic that all thoughts of playing it cool fly out the window. This is his chance, and he’s not about to let it get away from him…
January 3, 2024
This Book is written by bestselling Author Elana Johnson and I just discovered her last year and have been obsessed. Her easy going fun writing style is just up my alley. If you are feeling down you sure will be feeling better after reading one of her fun little rom coms. This book did not disappoint. A Very Terrible Text is book 1 in her new series and can be read as a stand alone of course. Any good rom com will end in a great HEA because that is why we are suckers for these types of stories.
Hillary is a somewhat grumpy young lady who has been engaged twice. Yes, twice but never made it down the lane to say yes to her forever love. With that said she has decided dating is not as important as her career, but living with 5 girls, who have known her since college, means peer pressure is a thing. When everyone gives that new dating app a chance, heck why not. Hillary cannot believe that this cute guy from one town over is interested in her and all of a sudden a future with a man doesn’t seem so out of reach. A lot of flirty texts are being sent back and forth. Will this pan out to something more?
Liam is the neighbor to all those girls living in the big house and he is not easily impressed by women. He has had his fair share of bad experiences and therefore sworn off the dating game for now. His southern manners will not accept that he will be rude, so when Hillary approaches him about using his business to potentially fix up their broken roof he responds appropriately. Trying to get an appointment scheduled is done with a lot of texting and all of a sudden he is receiving an invitation to dinner in a little black dress. Now wait a minute is Hillary flirting with him. No good mannered southern boy will deny that invitation so he immediately replies - What time should I pick you up? Will Hillary be the one to mend his broken heart or will she stomp on it and break it more.
This fast paced flirty romance with a modern touch is an easy enjoyable read for a cozy afternoon or a relaxation therapy. Elana has surely done it again and created a masterpiece that could easily be turned into a hallmark movie. She has created fun, engaging characters, a story line that keeps you entertained, twists in the story that make you go wow what just happened, and just the right amount of mystery to make sure you keep turning those pages. I am looking forward to Book 2 in the series.
Hillary is a somewhat grumpy young lady who has been engaged twice. Yes, twice but never made it down the lane to say yes to her forever love. With that said she has decided dating is not as important as her career, but living with 5 girls, who have known her since college, means peer pressure is a thing. When everyone gives that new dating app a chance, heck why not. Hillary cannot believe that this cute guy from one town over is interested in her and all of a sudden a future with a man doesn’t seem so out of reach. A lot of flirty texts are being sent back and forth. Will this pan out to something more?
Liam is the neighbor to all those girls living in the big house and he is not easily impressed by women. He has had his fair share of bad experiences and therefore sworn off the dating game for now. His southern manners will not accept that he will be rude, so when Hillary approaches him about using his business to potentially fix up their broken roof he responds appropriately. Trying to get an appointment scheduled is done with a lot of texting and all of a sudden he is receiving an invitation to dinner in a little black dress. Now wait a minute is Hillary flirting with him. No good mannered southern boy will deny that invitation so he immediately replies - What time should I pick you up? Will Hillary be the one to mend his broken heart or will she stomp on it and break it more.
This fast paced flirty romance with a modern touch is an easy enjoyable read for a cozy afternoon or a relaxation therapy. Elana has surely done it again and created a masterpiece that could easily be turned into a hallmark movie. She has created fun, engaging characters, a story line that keeps you entertained, twists in the story that make you go wow what just happened, and just the right amount of mystery to make sure you keep turning those pages. I am looking forward to Book 2 in the series.
January 27, 2025
This book was everything I needed and more! It was a sweet, clean, easy to follow romcom. Hilary and Liam were adorable! 🥰 I loved that it started as a bit of enemies to lovers, but then changed over to more grumpy/sunshine feels. Their banter was hilarious, and I was living for it!
I think we can all relate a little to Hilary -- accidentally sending the wrong text and then wondering what the heck you do?! Luckily for her it worked out in her favor. Seeing her slowly fall for Liam and his perfect southern charm was really fun! The thought he put into dates, and how he treated Hilary was literal perfection.
Their relationship was super cute. I loved that we really got to see their entire relationship, and see them deal with real issues. There was such healthy communication in this book and I was here for it! They had to go through some really difficult things right at the beginning of their relationship, and they handled each one so well.
Their relationship felt so pure too. It was so sweet, and innocent but also really mature. (Am I making any sense? ha!) I just loved watching their journey of falling in love. It was beautiful!
This book was everything I needed and more! It was a sweet, clean, easy to follow romcom. Hilary and Liam were adorable! 🥰 I loved that it started as a bit of enemies to lovers, but then changed over to more grumpy/sunshine feels. Their banter was hilarious, and I was living for it!
I think we can all relate a little to Hilary -- accidentally sending the wrong text and then wondering what the heck you do?! Luckily for her it worked out in her favor. Seeing her slowly fall for Liam and his perfect southern charm was really fun! The thought he put into dates, and how he treated Hilary was literal perfection.
Their relationship was super cute. I loved that we really got to see their entire relationship, and see them deal with real issues. There was such healthy communication in this book and I was here for it! They had to go through some really difficult things right at the beginning of their relationship, and they handled each one so well. T
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
I think we can all relate a little to Hilary -- accidentally sending the wrong text and then wondering what the heck you do?! Luckily for her it worked out in her favor. Seeing her slowly fall for Liam and his perfect southern charm was really fun! The thought he put into dates, and how he treated Hilary was literal perfection.
Their relationship was super cute. I loved that we really got to see their entire relationship, and see them deal with real issues. There was such healthy communication in this book and I was here for it! They had to go through some really difficult things right at the beginning of their relationship, and they handled each one so well.
Their relationship felt so pure too. It was so sweet, and innocent but also really mature. (Am I making any sense? ha!) I just loved watching their journey of falling in love. It was beautiful!
This book was everything I needed and more! It was a sweet, clean, easy to follow romcom. Hilary and Liam were adorable! 🥰 I loved that it started as a bit of enemies to lovers, but then changed over to more grumpy/sunshine feels. Their banter was hilarious, and I was living for it!
I think we can all relate a little to Hilary -- accidentally sending the wrong text and then wondering what the heck you do?! Luckily for her it worked out in her favor. Seeing her slowly fall for Liam and his perfect southern charm was really fun! The thought he put into dates, and how he treated Hilary was literal perfection.
Their relationship was super cute. I loved that we really got to see their entire relationship, and see them deal with real issues. There was such healthy communication in this book and I was here for it! They had to go through some really difficult things right at the beginning of their relationship, and they handled each one so well. T
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
March 23, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Life doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes life’s mishaps turn into blessings. And sometimes, having all your dreams come true at once can get tricky!
30-year-old Hillary lives in a huge house with 5 of her closest girlfriends in the town of Cider Cove. Single and no longer looking to mingle after having been engaged twice – neither time resulting in an actual wedding. Her friends are pressuring her to join a dating app, even though she knows the smart decision would be to concentrate on herself for a while. Peer pressure wins out this time and Hillary finds herself texting with a guy on the app.
Living in a big house with friends is great, but it also comes with a lot of maintenance as homeowners. Hillary and her roommates decide to divvy up the repairs and jobs that need to be done. Hillary is assigned the job of trying to figure out their leaky roof. Lucky, but also not so lucky for her, they live next door to Liam Graff…a general contractor. One who Hillary finds extremely grumpy and ushers her into a grumpy mood by mowing his lawn at the crack of dawn every Saturday morning…her one day to sleep in. Alas, she knows reaching out to Liam regarding their roof is the smartest decision. She is simultaneously texting Mr. Dating App guy and Liam…back and forth, back and forth…until WHOOPS – a text meant for dating app guy goes to Liam instead. Next thing Hillary knows, she’s accidentally invited Liam out on a date. Instead of cancelling, she decides to roll with it. Turns out, he’s not as grumpy as she thought, and they have a lot more in common than she ever could have imagined.
This book is loaded with great conversation, food and adventure – but of course, life always seems to toss a few curveballs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Life doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes life’s mishaps turn into blessings. And sometimes, having all your dreams come true at once can get tricky!
30-year-old Hillary lives in a huge house with 5 of her closest girlfriends in the town of Cider Cove. Single and no longer looking to mingle after having been engaged twice – neither time resulting in an actual wedding. Her friends are pressuring her to join a dating app, even though she knows the smart decision would be to concentrate on herself for a while. Peer pressure wins out this time and Hillary finds herself texting with a guy on the app.
Living in a big house with friends is great, but it also comes with a lot of maintenance as homeowners. Hillary and her roommates decide to divvy up the repairs and jobs that need to be done. Hillary is assigned the job of trying to figure out their leaky roof. Lucky, but also not so lucky for her, they live next door to Liam Graff…a general contractor. One who Hillary finds extremely grumpy and ushers her into a grumpy mood by mowing his lawn at the crack of dawn every Saturday morning…her one day to sleep in. Alas, she knows reaching out to Liam regarding their roof is the smartest decision. She is simultaneously texting Mr. Dating App guy and Liam…back and forth, back and forth…until WHOOPS – a text meant for dating app guy goes to Liam instead. Next thing Hillary knows, she’s accidentally invited Liam out on a date. Instead of cancelling, she decides to roll with it. Turns out, he’s not as grumpy as she thought, and they have a lot more in common than she ever could have imagined.
This book is loaded with great conversation, food and adventure – but of course, life always seems to toss a few curveballs.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
November 7, 2023
Set in Cider Cover (a fictional town near Charleston). Hillary- works at a small research production company. She wants to become an investigative journalist who makes documentaries so she’s desperate to snag an interview with a very hard to get in touch with billionaire named Cat Morgan. She finally gets to do the interview. She loves potatoes and lives with her friends from college. Hillary was a fun character- loved her little comments like “oh mashed potatoes and gravy!” Instead of saying “oh good grief”. Hillary’s roommates include Thalia Thomlinson, who owns the farmhouse they live in, and Claudia, Lizzie and Emma
Liam Graff is their hot but somewhat annoying (to Hillary) neighbor who mows the grass at 7am on a Sat. Among other things. Though he also thinks Hillary is attractive, he finds her somewhat angry and aloof. Liam is a cutie and I love his southern wit and charm- he’s definitely got that cowboy vibe to him. He owns his own building company. I loved his Mom too.
The book is told in alternating perspectives typically between Hillary and Liam, occasionally Claudia which was kind of random. This is a book with two main grumpy characters (one more than the other) and almost an enemies to lovers (though one is initially more interested than the other.) Also opposites attract- he’s more rustic and outdoorsy/handy man and she is more proper/family cares about appearances. She says “sometimes I want to throw him far away from me, only to pull him back in even closer” which was a great way to describe her relationship with Liam through a lot of the book. I loved Liam’s relationship with his Mom- reminds me of what I think mine and my son’s relationship will be in the future. Clean romance book with Southern charm and so much sweet romance. This book is going to be a series of books based on the various roommates so I look forward to reading more and I hope we get more of Hillary and Liam too!
Liam Graff is their hot but somewhat annoying (to Hillary) neighbor who mows the grass at 7am on a Sat. Among other things. Though he also thinks Hillary is attractive, he finds her somewhat angry and aloof. Liam is a cutie and I love his southern wit and charm- he’s definitely got that cowboy vibe to him. He owns his own building company. I loved his Mom too.
The book is told in alternating perspectives typically between Hillary and Liam, occasionally Claudia which was kind of random. This is a book with two main grumpy characters (one more than the other) and almost an enemies to lovers (though one is initially more interested than the other.) Also opposites attract- he’s more rustic and outdoorsy/handy man and she is more proper/family cares about appearances. She says “sometimes I want to throw him far away from me, only to pull him back in even closer” which was a great way to describe her relationship with Liam through a lot of the book. I loved Liam’s relationship with his Mom- reminds me of what I think mine and my son’s relationship will be in the future. Clean romance book with Southern charm and so much sweet romance. This book is going to be a series of books based on the various roommates so I look forward to reading more and I hope we get more of Hillary and Liam too!
March 4, 2024
This was such a fun, adorable weekend read! I absolutely enjoyed the lighthearted, Southern-charm of this story.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Deep South, Small-Town-Outside-Charleston Setting
- Rooftops, Peach Orchards and Tabby Cats
- A Hunky Construction Worker with a Strong Work Ethic and Lovable Heart
- A Hopeful, Sassy, Red-Headed Documentary Researcher with 5 Roommates
- Friends, Family and Finding Love
- Neighbors, Enemies-to-Lovers, Grump finds Grump
Main characters, Hillary and Liam, are well developed and have some fantastic, snarky banter throughout 3/4 of this story that kept me wholly invested in them as a couple. I enjoyed the premise of an accidental text leading to a date-turned-relationship and appreciated the amount of attraction and chemistry between these two. The secondary characters, Hillary's roommates and Liam's family, were endearing and I liked the little peek into Claudia's story, making me want to come back for another book in this series!
Overall, this was a clean, cute, happy romance with lots of flirtation, plenty of swoon, low angst, no third-act-breakup (yay!) and lots of warm, gooey Southern goodness. There were a couple of typos, character names jumping around and a few sentences that tripped me up (the author's brain must move faster than mine!) with a part that was redundant in Claudia's case, but none of that bothered me too much for this being an "easy" read.
Rating: G (Clean, no swearing unless you count potato swears *wink*).
Content and Trigger Warnings: Death of a parent (past), broken engagement (past), toxic parental relationship (light)
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Deep South, Small-Town-Outside-Charleston Setting
- Rooftops, Peach Orchards and Tabby Cats
- A Hunky Construction Worker with a Strong Work Ethic and Lovable Heart
- A Hopeful, Sassy, Red-Headed Documentary Researcher with 5 Roommates
- Friends, Family and Finding Love
- Neighbors, Enemies-to-Lovers, Grump finds Grump
Main characters, Hillary and Liam, are well developed and have some fantastic, snarky banter throughout 3/4 of this story that kept me wholly invested in them as a couple. I enjoyed the premise of an accidental text leading to a date-turned-relationship and appreciated the amount of attraction and chemistry between these two. The secondary characters, Hillary's roommates and Liam's family, were endearing and I liked the little peek into Claudia's story, making me want to come back for another book in this series!
Overall, this was a clean, cute, happy romance with lots of flirtation, plenty of swoon, low angst, no third-act-breakup (yay!) and lots of warm, gooey Southern goodness. There were a couple of typos, character names jumping around and a few sentences that tripped me up (the author's brain must move faster than mine!) with a part that was redundant in Claudia's case, but none of that bothered me too much for this being an "easy" read.
Rating: G (Clean, no swearing unless you count potato swears *wink*).
Content and Trigger Warnings: Death of a parent (past), broken engagement (past), toxic parental relationship (light)
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
April 21, 2025
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
Hillary and Liam took this literally. It was not a matter of waking up or seeing each other and fall in love. Rather it started with a love hate relationship. They weathered the storm of can't stand each other to falling in love.
Add a few friends routing for them or trying to be Hillary and Liam's relationship defied conventional romance, beginning with a volatile dynamic that simmered with tension and mutual irritation. Their journey from antagonists to lovers was a complex dance of wit, challenge, and gradual understanding.
Their mutual friends watched with a mixture of amusement and anticipation, some secretly hoping their passionate confrontations would eventually transform into passionate connection. Jake and Emma, longtime friends of the couple, would often exchange knowing glances during their heated exchanges, sensing the underlying chemistry.
The narrative was richly textured by their rapid-fire text messages, which revealed layers of personality, vulnerability, and growing attraction. Each message was a carefully crafted verbal sparring match, gradually revealing the depth of their connection and the subtle shifts in their emotional landscape.
Their story was not a typical love tale of instant attraction, but a nuanced exploration of how genuine connection can emerge from initial conflict. The progression felt authentic, compelling readers to invest emotionally in their transformative relationship.
A recommended read that captures the complexity of modern romantic dynamics. them and you have a believable story. Did I mention that the texts that feedback and forth is worth reading it and adds depth to the story.
This one I would recommend.
Hillary and Liam took this literally. It was not a matter of waking up or seeing each other and fall in love. Rather it started with a love hate relationship. They weathered the storm of can't stand each other to falling in love.
Add a few friends routing for them or trying to be Hillary and Liam's relationship defied conventional romance, beginning with a volatile dynamic that simmered with tension and mutual irritation. Their journey from antagonists to lovers was a complex dance of wit, challenge, and gradual understanding.
Their mutual friends watched with a mixture of amusement and anticipation, some secretly hoping their passionate confrontations would eventually transform into passionate connection. Jake and Emma, longtime friends of the couple, would often exchange knowing glances during their heated exchanges, sensing the underlying chemistry.
The narrative was richly textured by their rapid-fire text messages, which revealed layers of personality, vulnerability, and growing attraction. Each message was a carefully crafted verbal sparring match, gradually revealing the depth of their connection and the subtle shifts in their emotional landscape.
Their story was not a typical love tale of instant attraction, but a nuanced exploration of how genuine connection can emerge from initial conflict. The progression felt authentic, compelling readers to invest emotionally in their transformative relationship.
A recommended read that captures the complexity of modern romantic dynamics. them and you have a believable story. Did I mention that the texts that feedback and forth is worth reading it and adds depth to the story.
This one I would recommend.
October 12, 2023
A Very Terrible Text was my first introduction to Elana Johnson's romcoms, and I'm intrigued enough that I want to check out the next one in this series. The blurb and the first two chapters hooked me, and I was eager to find out how the rest of Hillary and Liam's story would play out. I liked that there was no "ow/om" drama and that Hillary has this whole support group in the form of her roommates (though at times it was hard to remember who was who). Nevertheless, I enjoyed Liam and Hillary's getting to know each other, especially since she's been hurt in the past as well as considering the circumstances leading up to their first date. This is a fun read, though I feel things got better toward the second half (since the first half felt more like laying out the story.) Also, while I think it's fun for this to be advertised as a "black cat-golden retriever" couple, I didn't necessarily find this consistent in the MCs' personalities, so, it may have prevented me from fully immersing myself in the story. Still, I think I'm in the minority here, and besides this point, it's truly a sweet story of a heroine learning to stand up for herself and going after her dreams while meeting her swoony hero in unlikely circumstances, but with plenty of charming and thoughtful gestures between the two. The friendships are also great (both from Aaron as well as Tahlia, Claudia, and the rest of the roommates) and I can't wait to check out the next one in the series. ~ 4 stars
Content:
Sweet kisses.
Made-up language (related to potatoes) and use of dang. Also, mentions of "this god of a man."
Content:
Sweet kisses.
Made-up language (related to potatoes) and use of dang. Also, mentions of "this god of a man."
February 3, 2024
Life has been a bit crazy lately and hard, so I have been gravitating toward fun reads that help me escape life for a bit. A Very Terrible Text by Elana Johnson was an adorable read that perfectly satisfied by need for romcom goodness.
Hillary lives in a big house with lots of roommates. When the roof needs repairing, Hillary is tasked with hiring the repair man. She reached out to Liam, their neighbor and general contractor, about the roof repair.
Hillary and Liam were so fun together. Their relationship started out rocky but quickly moved into something special when Hillary accidently texted Liam for a date. I loved how excited Liam was for the date, and how intrigued Hillary was when Liam said yes, especially when she had been less than nice to him in the past.
Hillary was a great heroine. She was both strong and vulnerable, which made her very likeable. I loved how open she was with Liam about her past and her fears. I was rooting for her from the beginning.
Liam was so thoughtful and kind. I loved how he really saw Hillary and what was important to her. He was so sweet, and he always tried to serve her. He always put Hillary first and found ways to show her how he felt about her. I mean you combine these traits with his beautiful exterior and you have one dreamy book boyfriend.
The story is full of sweet moments, banter, swoony kisses, and romance. Hillary and Liam were so good together; I loved how their relationship developed—so many cute scenes. I adored every minute of reading this book.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Hillary lives in a big house with lots of roommates. When the roof needs repairing, Hillary is tasked with hiring the repair man. She reached out to Liam, their neighbor and general contractor, about the roof repair.
Hillary and Liam were so fun together. Their relationship started out rocky but quickly moved into something special when Hillary accidently texted Liam for a date. I loved how excited Liam was for the date, and how intrigued Hillary was when Liam said yes, especially when she had been less than nice to him in the past.
Hillary was a great heroine. She was both strong and vulnerable, which made her very likeable. I loved how open she was with Liam about her past and her fears. I was rooting for her from the beginning.
Liam was so thoughtful and kind. I loved how he really saw Hillary and what was important to her. He was so sweet, and he always tried to serve her. He always put Hillary first and found ways to show her how he felt about her. I mean you combine these traits with his beautiful exterior and you have one dreamy book boyfriend.
The story is full of sweet moments, banter, swoony kisses, and romance. Hillary and Liam were so good together; I loved how their relationship developed—so many cute scenes. I adored every minute of reading this book.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 25, 2024
I won a giveaway by Elana Johnson, and I was so excited about it! Then life happened, and I was focusing on life & family. Last week, God slowed my life down. I wrenched my back/shoulders and am under orders to not lift anything, which really put life on pause. So, I looked through my reader for a fun book to read and relax with, and this was the first I remembered!
What a great book that just drew me in and made me grin, laugh, and smile. We have Liam and Hillary as our main characters. But we have an amazing group of supporting characters for both. I related to Hillary, so much. Hillary has just become naturally defensive, even grumpy when woken early on her day off, woman. After 2 broken engagements, she is not so trusting of men. Liam, with his southern charm under his own type of grumpy neighbor, was just fun! The way these two grew was so enjoyable to watch. It is all from a text accidentally sent from Hillary to Liam, right in the middle of a "feud" between them.
The "big house" and all the women who supported and protected each other were nice. This is where Hillary lives right next door to Liam.
I loved the love of potatoes and hats that became such a part of Hillary and Liam, as we learn about them.
This book did have some intense family situations, but I appreciated how it was tackled and handled in the story.
I'm off to go buy and read the second book! "A Very Bad Bet," and I can't wait to see what unfolds in it!
What a great book that just drew me in and made me grin, laugh, and smile. We have Liam and Hillary as our main characters. But we have an amazing group of supporting characters for both. I related to Hillary, so much. Hillary has just become naturally defensive, even grumpy when woken early on her day off, woman. After 2 broken engagements, she is not so trusting of men. Liam, with his southern charm under his own type of grumpy neighbor, was just fun! The way these two grew was so enjoyable to watch. It is all from a text accidentally sent from Hillary to Liam, right in the middle of a "feud" between them.
The "big house" and all the women who supported and protected each other were nice. This is where Hillary lives right next door to Liam.
I loved the love of potatoes and hats that became such a part of Hillary and Liam, as we learn about them.
This book did have some intense family situations, but I appreciated how it was tackled and handled in the story.
I'm off to go buy and read the second book! "A Very Bad Bet," and I can't wait to see what unfolds in it!
September 10, 2023
4.5/5
Genre: Clean Romance
Read it if you like
🚵 Dual POV+ Claudia’s POV
🚵 Accidental text
🚵 Friendship
🚵 He Falls First
🚵 Mountain biking
🚵 Dreams
🚵Family
Favourite Moments
🚵 Their secret mini dates on the rooftops
🚵 Playing Date 20 questions
🚵 Mountain biking
🚵 Their texts to each other.
🚵 Claudia and Beckett moments (kind of steal the show too)
Swoony Moments
🚵 He falls for her first
🚵 He loves her the way she is
🚵 He supports her to go after her dream
Synopsis
Hilary thumb slipped. A text that was supposed to be directed to a guy named Karl on the date app ended up to her next-door neighbour, Liam. What is she going to do? How is she going to tell him that the text wasn’t for him? What’s worst is before this she scolded him for being noisy in the morning? What’s going to happen? Read A Terrible Text to find out!
Review:
This is the 1st book of Cider Cove Sweet Southern Series. Loving these two, Hilary and Liam. They are just so sweet together. And they really love being on rooftops. Both of them support each other’s dream and also, they get to know each other more and love being in each other company. Their friends and his mom play a part of encouraging them to be together. Hilary’s mom is annoying (can’t spoil it here) just care about status more than her daughter’s happiness. This book made me smile, swoon, and at times annoyed. And also I would like to try what Tahlia bakes.
Thank you, Donna Jeffries for the ARC!
Can’t wait for the 2nd book it will be Claudia and Beckett’s story. It will be a enemies to lovers trope.
You can purchase this e-book early before it goes to other retailers from
https://feelgoodfictionbooks.com/prod... on September 15th
Genre: Clean Romance
Read it if you like
🚵 Dual POV+ Claudia’s POV
🚵 Accidental text
🚵 Friendship
🚵 He Falls First
🚵 Mountain biking
🚵 Dreams
🚵Family
Favourite Moments
🚵 Their secret mini dates on the rooftops
🚵 Playing Date 20 questions
🚵 Mountain biking
🚵 Their texts to each other.
🚵 Claudia and Beckett moments (kind of steal the show too)
Swoony Moments
🚵 He falls for her first
🚵 He loves her the way she is
🚵 He supports her to go after her dream
Synopsis
Hilary thumb slipped. A text that was supposed to be directed to a guy named Karl on the date app ended up to her next-door neighbour, Liam. What is she going to do? How is she going to tell him that the text wasn’t for him? What’s worst is before this she scolded him for being noisy in the morning? What’s going to happen? Read A Terrible Text to find out!
Review:
This is the 1st book of Cider Cove Sweet Southern Series. Loving these two, Hilary and Liam. They are just so sweet together. And they really love being on rooftops. Both of them support each other’s dream and also, they get to know each other more and love being in each other company. Their friends and his mom play a part of encouraging them to be together. Hilary’s mom is annoying (can’t spoil it here) just care about status more than her daughter’s happiness. This book made me smile, swoon, and at times annoyed. And also I would like to try what Tahlia bakes.
Thank you, Donna Jeffries for the ARC!
Can’t wait for the 2nd book it will be Claudia and Beckett’s story. It will be a enemies to lovers trope.
You can purchase this e-book early before it goes to other retailers from
https://feelgoodfictionbooks.com/prod... on September 15th
October 18, 2023
Hillary and Liam . . .
Hillary Mays and Liam Graff were both a bit insecure about how to express themselves around dating. So a happy accident looks like it might change things completely for them. Hillary has had bad luck in finding “the One”. But as she moves on to 30, she needs to start thinking about finding a lifetime partner. But for the present, it’s her turn among her 5 roommates to deal with getting an annoying leaky roof fixed. So she has been texting Liam Graff, the general contractor who lives next door, about the work. She admits that she and her roommates enjoy watching him mow his grass shirtless. However, waking her at 7:30 a.m. Saturday as he mows the grass is going too far! Maybe it’s time to sign up on a dating app to find a guy of her own.
Texting with “Karl H”, the “H” for Hottie?, she connected with on the app, she inadvertently texted their neighbor contractor, sending Liam an invitation for their first date. But when Liam is the one who accepts the date, she knew she had messed up. Would it somehow turn out better than expected? Or would it be embarrassing if it didn’t work out and he lives next door? Grab your copy and find out if there is a HEA waiting for them.
Hillary Mays and Liam Graff were both a bit insecure about how to express themselves around dating. So a happy accident looks like it might change things completely for them. Hillary has had bad luck in finding “the One”. But as she moves on to 30, she needs to start thinking about finding a lifetime partner. But for the present, it’s her turn among her 5 roommates to deal with getting an annoying leaky roof fixed. So she has been texting Liam Graff, the general contractor who lives next door, about the work. She admits that she and her roommates enjoy watching him mow his grass shirtless. However, waking her at 7:30 a.m. Saturday as he mows the grass is going too far! Maybe it’s time to sign up on a dating app to find a guy of her own.
Texting with “Karl H”, the “H” for Hottie?, she connected with on the app, she inadvertently texted their neighbor contractor, sending Liam an invitation for their first date. But when Liam is the one who accepts the date, she knew she had messed up. Would it somehow turn out better than expected? Or would it be embarrassing if it didn’t work out and he lives next door? Grab your copy and find out if there is a HEA waiting for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews